Police in the United Kingdom say former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape.
Ghana international Partey is currently without a club after leaving the Gunners following the expiration of his contract at the end of June.
“The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge a man after a file of evidence was submitted by detectives,” read a police statement posted on Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano’s Instagram page.
“The Met has issued a charge and requisition to Thomas Partey, 32, of Hertfordshire, in connection with the following offences: Five counts of rape, One count of sexual assault.”
According to the statement, the offences are alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.
Partey is expected to appear in the Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 5. According to Britain’s Daily Mail, he has denied the charges against him and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name”.
According to police, an investigation into Partey began in February 2022 after they received a report of rape. He was arrested in July 22 of that year and was not named. After being released on bail, he went on to play over 50 times for Arsenal, forming a strong midfield partnership with Declan Rice as the club challenged for the Premier League title.
It remains to be seen if the allegations have an impact on the player’s search for a new club.
Interest in Partey’s services was thought to be high after his departure from North London, with Spanish giants Barcelona thought to be one of the clubs who were keen on bringing him on board. Atletico Madrid were also said to be keeping tabs.
According to further reports, there was also interest from Italy and Turkey.
More to follow
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